Schools and hospitals forced to report radicals

COUNCILS, prisons, NHS trusts and schools will be required to take action to stop people being drawn into terrorism under new rules introduced today.

Laws passed earlier this year place public bodies under a statutory duty to identify and report those vulnerable to radicalisation.

The measure is part of the government’s “One Nation” attempt to tackle extremism.

It was set out in the Counter Terrorism and Security Act, which says: “A specified authority must, in the exercise of its functions, have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.”

Security minister John Hayes said: “We have seen all too starkly and tragically the dangers of radicalisation and the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.

“The new ‘Prevent’ duty is about protecting people from the poisonous and pernicious influence of extremist ideas that are used to legitimise terrorism.

“Protecting those who are vulnerable and at risk of radicalisation is a job for all of us.

“The new duty will make sure key bodies across the country play their part and work in partnership, as part of our One Nation approach to bring the country together to tackle extremism.”

The duty applies in England, Wales and Scotland.